Trevor Hoffman - Hall of Fame?

[Warner2BruceTD]

Did it cost his team HFA in the World Series?

I dont remember when that started, but it cost his league HFA at least once.

 

[Senser81]

Looked at Hoffman's stats. Kind of odd that the most IP he ever had for one year was 90, and that was his rookie year. He averaged 60 IP/season, which isn't very impressive. I just don't see what distinguishes Hoffman from other good relievers. Perhaps someone can give me a reason.

Hoffman: 18yrs, 1035 G, 2.87 ERA, 1089 IP

Player B: 16yrs, 1050 G, 2.85 ERA, 1437 IP

 

[Warner2BruceTD]

Looked at Hoffman's stats. Kind of odd that the most IP he ever had for one year was 90, and that was his rookie year. He averaged 60 IP/season, which isn't very impressive. I just don't see what distinguishes Hoffman from other good relievers. Perhaps someone can give me a reason.

Hoffman: 18yrs, 1035 G, 2.87 ERA, 1089 IP

Player B: 16yrs, 1050 G, 2.85 ERA, 1437 IP

Was hoping this comp was Mr. Tom Henke.

 

[mcstl25]

My initial reaction was no, but after looking at the numbers how can the writers justify putting Bruce Sutter in the HOF but not Hoffman? Even as a life long Cardinal fan, I'm still not sure how Sutter got in.

 

[Warner2BruceTD]

My initial reaction was no, but after looking at the numbers how can the writers justify putting Bruce Sutter in the HOF but not Hoffman? Even as a life long Cardinal fan, I'm still not sure how Sutter got in.

Not that im backing Sutter, but i think they viewed him as a trail blazer of sorts. A really high peak and a multiple inning guy. Hoffman is like exhibit A of a dude who only pitched the 9th and only on save situations. He was good at it, really good, but is that a hall of fame role? I dont know. Im guessing he gets snubbed and Mariano becomes the measuring stick.

 

[Senser81]

My initial reaction was no, but after looking at the numbers how can the writers justify putting Bruce Sutter in the HOF but not Hoffman? Even as a life long Cardinal fan, I'm still not sure how Sutter got in.

Cy Young? Led league in saves 5 times in 6 years before he blew out his arm? Leading proponent of the split-finger fastball?

Sutter would typically pitch 100 innings per year, Hoffman was typically 60. The way I see it, Sutter accomplished more in 9 seasons than Hoffman did in 18. I don't think anyone in their right mind would say Hoffman was better than Sutter.

 

[Primetime]

First to 600 saves with a 2.87 ERA most of which was amidst the steroid era...don't see how they don't let him in.

 

[Warner2BruceTD]

First to 600 saves with a 2.87 ERA most of which was amidst the steroid era...don't see how they don't let him in.

But was he ever the best closer? Only led his own league twice in a million years. Plus three or four ugly postseason blown saves.

Basically, he was a pretty good regular season closer for a really long time. Is that HOF worthy?

 

[Goober]

I still don't see an argument that separates Hoffman from Billy Wagner and several other relievers.

 

[Primetime]

Longevity does play a role here though. Not many teams can find a year in, year out closer for well over a decade like the Padres. From '96 to '07 he only had one year with an ERA over 3. Only other guy I can think of that did similar things over that time frame is the best reliever of all time.

Cant imagine how many saves he'd have if he played for a good team, but that also decreases his longevity.

 

[Warner2BruceTD]

I still don't see an argument that separates Hoffman from Billy Wagner and several other relievers.

Longevity. That's pretty much it. He was really, really good for a really, really long time. Racked up a huge save total, nice K rate, consistently low ERA's.

Bad postseasons, low inning totals, never the best closer in the game. Exhibit A of specialization.

To me, you can be a great closer and not be a hall of famer. I wouldn't be offended if he made it but I wouldn't vote for him.

 

[EmpireWF]

600 saves is why I voted yes, I definitely see him getting the votes.

Was he ever the #1 closer...not with Rivera around.

 

[Pills]

I think he will get in... eventually.

Why? I think the voters will vote Mo in first ballot, and then feel comfortable voting Hoffman in. There are no one-inning closers in the HOF, and I think a lot of voters will want to put Mo in first.